CeeDee Lamb Exits with Concussion in Cowboys’ Loss to Lions - Dallas’ Playoff Push Takes a Hit
The Dallas Cowboys' playoff hopes took a gut punch on Thursday night - and not just on the scoreboard.
Star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb left the game against the Detroit Lions early in the third quarter after suffering a concussion on a near-touchdown grab that ended in a frightening collision. Lamb stayed down for several moments before getting to his feet, but the signs were clear: fencing posture, an immediate red flag for a head injury. He was ruled out shortly after.
It’s a tough blow for a Dallas team that’s already walking a tightrope in the NFC playoff race. The silver lining?
With the game taking place on a Thursday, Lamb gets a few extra days to potentially clear concussion protocol before the Cowboys' next matchup. But as anyone familiar with the NFL’s concussion process knows, it’s not about the calendar - it’s about how the player responds.
Before the injury, Lamb was doing what he does best: torching defenses. He had already racked up six catches for 121 yards, continuing to look every bit like one of the league’s elite wideouts. His chemistry with Dak Prescott has been the heartbeat of this offense, and when you add George Pickens into the mix, Dallas has had one of the more dangerous aerial attacks in the league this season - when everyone’s healthy.
That’s the key phrase: when everyone’s healthy. Lamb had already missed three games earlier this year after suffering an ankle injury against the Bears. His absence was felt then, and it’ll be felt again if he’s forced to miss more time down the stretch.
And time is not on the Cowboys’ side. Coming into this game, the math was already tough - they likely needed to win out to have a real shot at the postseason.
Dropping this one to Detroit means the path just got steeper. Now, they’ll need to run the table and hope the Philadelphia Eagles stumble at least three times the rest of the way to have a shot at the NFC East crown.
That’s a tall order. And doing it without your top weapon makes it even taller.
For now, all eyes in Dallas are on Lamb’s recovery. The Cowboys’ season might just hinge on how quickly - and safely - he can return.